Sea Birds FC fly out of Black Cats’ reach

MOSSEL BAY NEWS -  The Sea Birds FC registered an impressive result in their first game of year, beating the Black Cats FC.

The Sea Birds sank the Black Cats 2-1 in an exciting Safa Eden Regional Men’s League at the Lawaaikamp Stadium in George on Saturday afternoon, 17 January.

Linamandla Jadan Mthonga and Zimvo Dulini contributed the two goals for the Mossel Bay side, while Kawaya Henristot netted his side’s only goal.

So far, the Birds are flying high to reach the top eight position on the league log table.

The home side, the Black Cats, started the game at a fast pace, looking for loopholes from the centre of the field. The visitors’ Mthonga, however, put his name on the scoresheet first after beating Black Cats’ shot-stopper, Liwonga Siko.

The Cats players were chasing the game looking for their equaliser goal, but left themselves exposed at the back, allowing Dulini and his silky touches from centre-field to double the Birds’ score before half-time.

Asanele Mnyungula (Black Cats).

The second half started with both sides looking more dangerous on the attack - Aphelele Jende (Sea Birds) tried his luck just outside the box, but his shot went over the woodwork. The Black Cats introduced fresh legs into the game, bringing in Xolani Mandla and Henristot in the place of Qhamani Nogqala and Oyisa Jantjies.

With the substitutions’ presence, the complexion of the game changed, the home side looking for their first goal.

Sea Birds manager Zolani Mpumela and the decorated Sea Birds attacker, Linamandla Jadan Mthonga.

Henristot surprisingly silenced the Sea Birds supporters when he drove a long-range shot, scoring the team’s only goal. Although the Black Cats come back stronger in the second half, the Sea Birds players absorbed the pressure well.

Mthonga (18) displayed a standout performance leading in the attacking department. Late last year, he was one of the players who were spotted to join the Stars of Africa Academy in Johannesburg.

Sea Birds FC’s assistant coach, Zintle Hani, told Mossel Bay Advertiser that winning two games on the day, away from home, is a confidence booster after having just come back from the Christmas break. The Birds won their other game against Madibaz FC 2-0. Hani said he believes the team can do better and have more positive results going forward.

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